“When you have a secret which you know will be found out before you can act,” she explained, “why, you deliberately spread a lot of rumors which will confuse your enemies. I have heard that the arms were to be landed at Vaileli, and that Klinger had said he was going there. That Kataafa was going to Saluafata and also Melie. That the arms were already in Kulinuu. That the arms were on the Herzovinian war-ship and would be given to Kataafa at Saluafata to-morrow, and that the arms were in the boxes on the porch of the Kapuan firm’s store.” “Well,” Phil exclaimed, “that is rather confusing. And you decided that the arms would be landed in Saluafata?” Alice nodded. “I was all this afternoon at the ‘lookout’ on Mission Hill,” she said. “I saw the ‘Talofa’ far out on the horizon, her hull invisible, only the top of her masts in sight. With this breeze she could have gone out of sight. She’s waiting for darkness.” “And Kataafa is leaving Kulinuu to-night?” Phil asked. “I got that from Mary Hamilton,” she answered. “Klinger’s wife is from Saluafata. Her father is the chief of that village. She came to Ukula this morning from the Vaileli plantation where Klinger ordinarily lives. She left in a canoe for Saluafata.” Phil gazed in wonder at the slim girl beside him. “You’re a marvel,” he exclaimed admiringly. Alice smiled. “I love to work things out,” she acknowledged. “You men seem so incapable, while the motives of the natives are really so easy to follow.” The boat was sailing near Kulinuu Point. Phil glanced across the intervening water. “Let’s land and walk home,” he said to Alice. All agreed readily. A passing canoe was called alongside the deep draft launch and the passengers quickly transferred. “All right, O’Neil,” Phil said. “You may return to the ship. We’ll go back to town on foot.” They landed on the pebbly beach and walked across to the main street leading between the double row of royal palm trees. It was a deserted village. Every one had departed. Avao found an old woman crooning in the corner of a house and asked her a question. The old hag recognized her and turned upon her fiercely. At the Kapuan firm’s store, on their way home, the party again stopped. Avao’s quick eye caught the gleam of metal from the porch. She deliberately walked forward until a challenge brought her to a stop. Phil saw a Herzovinian sailor, gun leveled, walk toward the girl, who was standing stock-still several paces from the steps. The challenge had brought several more sailors to the door. Many natives, living in houses in the surrounding bush, quickly gathered, and their childish curiosity pressed them forward. Before five minutes had elapsed a crowd of nearly fifty warriors and maidens were surrounding the front of the store; and as their number swelled, the crowd grew more bold and advanced toward the house. The sailors stood their ground with guns held ready.